Jennifer Hudson was advised to use a backing track for her performance of the American National Anthem at the Super Bowl last night (February 1st).

Rickey Minor, who produces the pre-game show, said he told both Hudson and fellow performer Faith Hill to use pre-recorded tracks submitted a week before the show.

"That's the right way to do it. There's too many variables to go live,” Minor told the Associated Press news agency.

“I would never recommend any artist go live, because the slightest glitch would devastate the performance."

Hudson's appearance at the event was the first time she had performed in public since her mother, brother and nephew were killed at their home in Chicago last October.

Speaking after the singer's performance, Minor said Hudson had asked him what he thought of her rendition of the national anthem. "I told her Touchdown!” he said.

He added: "This was such an important performance, because it's the first time everyone has seen Jennifer.

“But she's in such a great place, with such great spirits and time can heal her wounds. She's on fire right now and totally grounded."

Hill sang 'America The Beautiful' before the game kicked off in Tampa.

(by Jason Gregory)